Images: Imaxtree

Let me first declare my interest: I am a longtime fan of Nanette Lepore and her show did not disappoint.  I thought it was good and her choice of colours was solid.

Images: Imaxtree

Lumberjack chic or what I would call a collection of "refined grunge".  Beautifully cut tulip-shaped skirts - chartreuse and browns highlighted by gold.  Structured dresses and coats with overlays that looked like wood. Not fond of some of the sleeve treatments or the  high-waisted, voluminous pants.

Images: Imaxtree

Reviewing the shows has been more tiring than I thought it was be; I hadn't expected to see so many of the same trends, albeit interpreted in various ways, over and over again.  After a few days, I will freely admit it was all becoming a bit monotonous.  The good thing about this however is that when you see a stunning collection, it takes your breath away.  And that's precisely what happened when Marc Jacobs showed his collection on Tuesday.  After days of fairly bland shows, you knew immediately that this was something different.  This collection was undoubtedly very forward-thinking and will be copied up and down the high streets come spring.  The theme was definitely the 1970s and he featured beautiful colours with textured flower corsages, wide-brimmed hats and a very different take on florals.  Crochet made an appearance via a bikini and there was a nod to transparency however you could not accuse this show of being derivative from any other at fashion week thus far.  

Without a doubt the most exciting collection of fashion week.

Images: Imaxtree

The styling here unfortunately threatened to overshadow the clothes and not for the first time.  Band-aids on faces, chokers that said "Ride Me", model twins and prom dresses on acid.  There were some cute floral prints, as well as several nautical looks (best described as nautical hooker) which seemed to appear out of nowhere and were so specific they appeared to be costume rather than fashion.  The show culminated with several fluorescent, tiered ball gowns accessorised with clear stripper platforms.  Betsey herself has described the clothes in this collection as a "schizophrenic mix" and I would agree.

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A mature collection.  Either the scarves are the clothes or they're covering everything. Red and navy. Floral spring swimsuit and dresses.  Flirty flounces.

Image: Imaxtree

Unisex presentation which I would classify as preppy cute with a twist. A good collection with strong nautical inspiration and pops of floral throughout.  

Images: Imaxtree

Derek Lam's collection placed a lot of emphasis on blue denim and icy white which some graphic sheaths.  The silhouette continues to be boxy and chartreuse made an appearance.  I loved the footwear and think I appreciated the accessories more than the clothes though the clothes weren't bad either.

Images: Imaxtree

And the Euro-fabulous fashion continues with Custo Barcelona's menswear.

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While the men's and women's clothes were shown together, I have split my posts into two as so many looks were sent down the runway.  Euro-fabulous feathers on shoulders and the usual high-colour, patterned collection with feathers featuring prominently.  I think it works and really enjoyed the  bright, happy collection.

Menswear to follow.

Images: Imaxtree

While the round glasses were a little comical, Tracy Reese sent a fun, hippy collection down the runway.  Between the big, floppy-brimmed sun hats, caftans in wonderful earth tones, and crochet dresses there was a definite 70s vibe to the clothes.